[villagetinker]

Has anyone successfully completed a DIY mini split for a lanai. I am specifically interested in any potential pitfalls with building department inspections and permits.
I am looking at the Mr. Cool system specifically designed for DIY installation.

Please feel free to use private message if necessary.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Has anyone successfully completed a DIY mini split for a lanai. I am specifically interested in any potential pitfalls with building department inspections and permits.
I am looking at the Mr. Cool system specifically designed for DIY installation.

Please feel free to use private message if necessary.

I am of no help regarding building department inspections and permits, but I can tell you the actual installation is very easy. For me the only difficult part was making the hole through the exterior wall to run the refrigerant and drainage lines and wiring. I had to go through the wall of a log home, which wasn’t easy. It would be easy through a stick framed home but obviously more difficult if you have concrete block. Our home up north is in the middle of nowhere so I didn’t pull any permits, out of sight, out of mind! Good luck with the project.

[bob47]

Just curious, how do you DIY pull a vacuum on the system? Or is it not necessary?

[blueash]

If you would just charge ten dollars for every helpful comment you have made, you would have enough to pay someone do it for you.

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by bob47

Just curious, how do you DIY pull a vacuum on the system? Or is it not necessary?

Not required with Mr. Cool products.

[Hardlyworking]

I put one in a log cabin in TN. Drilling the hole was the worst part. As far as the inspection, you will need to have an electrician run a line near where the condenser will be placed.

[Malsua]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Has anyone successfully completed a DIY mini split for a lanai. I am specifically interested in any potential pitfalls with building department inspections and permits.
I am looking at the Mr. Cool system specifically designed for DIY installation.

Please feel free to use private message if necessary.

I've installed one.

I ended up buying a tubular torque wrench to get the nut fittings torqued properly.

I also bought a 90mm SDS plus shank drill bit to get through the block to run the lines. It was a $22 Amazon special, worked just fine but took a while.

Figure out a way to have whatever is left of your coiled up lineset lines laying flat since you can't trim them. Do trim the electrical wire from the condenser to the evaporator but they come with premade connectors.

There needs to be a disconnect at the unit. There should be a liquid tight flexible connection from the disconnect to the condenser.

Plan on buying a ductless line cover kit to neaten up the install.

I bought an outdoor wall mounting kit to mount to the block. If you go that route, do read the reviews, many of them are flimsy. I bought a very stout one.

[rhood]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Has anyone successfully completed a DIY mini split for a lanai. I am specifically interested in any potential pitfalls with building department inspections and permits.
I am looking at the Mr. Cool system specifically designed for DIY installation.

Please feel free to use private message if necessary.

You might consider a unit like they have in most motels the have both heat and air. Self contained and mount near the floor. Even though our covenants say central HVAC only, who's to know? Amazon, $1000 to $1300 or so.

[TommyT]

Here is a video I watched where this guy installed a Mr. Cool split system that I found very informative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbts4cbuSdY

Seems easy enough ...

[villagetinker]

Some more specific questions:
1. Were you able to use the new PVC pad for the outside unit?
2. How did you specify the de-humidifier operation only? Someone told me there was a module inside the unit???

[skippy05]

Mr cool too expensive. Real AC companies will pull a permit and that will make it appear forever on your property tax. The solution: go on Facebook market place and search mini split. Lots of reasonable priced guys doing it under the radar with new equipment and no permits. And are still doing nice work.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Has anyone successfully completed a DIY mini split for a lanai. I am specifically interested in any potential pitfalls with building department inspections and permits.
I am looking at the Mr. Cool system specifically designed for DIY installation.

Please feel free to use private message if necessary.

For the technical side for which you may not need, There are at least several dozen on Mr Cool mini splits.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...+split+Mr+cool

And if you would be so kind, provide an update if you complete the project including any videos that were helpful.

[Alarmed]

Even if you install it yourself it is best to have the HVAC guy hook up the pre-charged lines to get your warranty from Mr. Cool.

Rite Temp is very reasonable and will install the equipment you buy.

[Hardlyworking]

Originally Posted by Alarmed

Even if you install it yourself it is best to have the HVAC guy hook up the pre-charged lines to get your warranty from Mr. Cool.

Rite Temp is very reasonable and will install the equipment you buy.

That’s not necessary if you buy the DIY Mr Cool system.

[Hardlyworking]

Originally Posted by rhood

You might consider a unit like they have in most motels the have both heat and air. Self contained and mount near the floor. Even though our covenants say central HVAC only, who's to know? Amazon, $1000 to $1300 or so.

These mini-splits do heat and air.